Orpheum rehearsal, ants and grubs

It was an awesome day on the Orpheum front today. The mixing of the final track of the EP is almost finished and then we'll be ready to prepare for launch. Artwork is all agreed and production and distribution is being finalised! To make it even better we have a couple of radio stations wanting to play us.

We started off with our usual per-rehearsal band meeting in The Unicorn. Fin brought snacks of the most unusual variety: toasted ants and grubs. The ants tasted a bit like bacon and weren't bad at all. The grubs were like pork scratchings but without the pork flavour!

I was the only one brave enough to try them there and then LOL

Rehearsal was really good and it will only take a few more before we can hit the road. It's not just about the songs now as we are working on stage craft as well as the set list.

It's all exciting stuff in the Orpheum world!



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Fun and games

It was great fun at work today instigating my official name change with HR. there were so many people that thought I was joking, it was most amusing trying to explain to them that it is real and now my legal name!

 

I'm still working my way through the list of people that I need to contact but it does feel like I am getting there slowly. Saturday was really funny going in to the bank and being greeted with one name and coming out as Mr Glitz. 

 

In other good news I have booked in for my next tattoo on Friday afternoon and today I received my shiny new iPhone 4S. Life is so good right now!

Call me Mister GLITZ

Today was a very special day for me. Today was new me day as I said goodbye to my old self and legally became MR GLITZ. I have to say it feels good!

Can't wait to see the reactions of people at work as they have to get used to the change! Much confusion will be afoot methinks, nothing like mixing things up!

So, from now on please call me Mister GLITZ!

Saying farewell to Gail

Today was a day we had all been dreading but everything went well as we said farewell to Gail and celebrated her life. The service was really nice and was very fitting. Afterwards friends and family went back to Leanne's to toast Gail and share stories and general chit chat. There was no room to move with so many people crammed in. It was a very fitting celebration.

Cheers Gail!You were a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed.

Tea Will Rock You

We got some awesome mugs!
Tea Will Rock You

Minister For Equalities?.....

....surely some mistake!

So, Theresa May is the Minister For Women & Equalities. Now that's an interesting appointment giving some of here political moves over the years. It's no wonder we live in such a prejudiced place with people like this responsible for making sure things are fair!

Here's a brief overview of some her outstanding views that make her such a fitting and appropriate appointment!

Last.FM listening post

Here are the things I've been listening to this week

TOP ARTISTS 

01 - Adam and the Ants
02 - Adam Ant
03 - Madonna
04 - Helloween
05 - Abney Park
06 - Gamma Ray
07 - The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing
08 - The Cog is Dead
09 - Deadly Nightshade Botanical Society
10 - Calatrilloz

TOP TRACKS

01 - Adam and the Ants – Never Trust a Man (With Egg on His Face)
02 - Adam Ant – Place in the Country [#][Demo Version]
03 - Abney Park – Under the Radar
04 - Madonna – Crazy for You
05 - Madonna – Into the Groove
06 - Helloween – Eagle Fly Free
07 - Adam and the Ants – The Human Beings
08 - Adam and the Ants – Catholic Day
09 - Adam and the Ants – The Idea
10 - Adam and the Ants – It Doesn't Matter

Mad At The World: TransGlitz ranting!

I'm not just cross, I'm having a very angry dresser time at the moment. I am mad at the world. Positively raging!

This has been brooding all week but I just had to speak out as today is International Fetish Day.

International Fetish Day is a day supporting the BDSM community. The main purpose of International Fetish Day is to increase awareness and support of the fetish community, whilst also opposing the new law criminalising possession of "extreme pornography". It is also designed to encourage members of the community to be more open about their sexuality.

I hate the fact that we live in such a horribly prejudiced world where we cannot be who we want to be without fear. If I want to dress differently and look different then surely that is my right. I'm not hurting anybody or having an effect on anybody else so why can't I just be me?

As you are probably aware I like to dress up from time to time when I go out clubbing or to events. Usually this is all a little extravagant and not necessarily for daily use. I would however also like to be able to wear what I want every day, whether that be at home, out and about in town or going to work. I hate the fact that I have to think about whether or not I should do this or not. Why shouldn't I?

So many women have an amazing choice of clothes and shoes to wear out everyday, they can dress “a la femme” or “a l’homme” and nobody bats an eyelid really at what they are wearing (fashion police crises excepted of course). Why can’t that apply to everyone? Why can’t I wear a skirt out and about or to work, or wear girly shoes? What does the way I dress have to do with the way I function as a person or in my ability to do my job?

I would like to be able to dress in any casual style that I choose whether that be predominantly male, female or a combination of the two. Would I look any less smart at work if I applied that same principle to dressing business casual or even full business power dressing?

Methinks things need to change! Time to start instigating it from within! It might be little things here and there but I am tired of being (and feeling) trapped and suppressed by the prejudices of others and having to toe the line with what society sees as 'normal'.

Engaging Butterfly Mode, transformation entering transitioning phase.......






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First Orpheum rehearsal of 2012

Today was the first Orpheum rehearsal of 2012. In accordance with tradition we met at The Unicorn for a catch up and a wee tipple. Erin presented us all with some Xmas presents which was lovely. Fin then showed us a mock up of our EP cover which looked pretty cool.

Suitably refreshed it was off to Zed One to see how much damage six weeks off had done us. Thankfully the answer was not much at all! Admittedly there was a little rust and a few things to brush up on but nothing really serious.

Two blasts through the set list and then we did a bit of work on a new song. I know I am biased but this one is shaping up really well and shows great promise. Should be some nice harmonies in there which I adore.

I made my way home feeling really excited and fired up for what 2012 might offer Orpheum!

If you haven't already please check out our website:
www.orpheum.co


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The Girl Who Played With Fire

Tonight we moved onto the second part of the Millennium Trilogy, The Girl Who Played With Fire. As with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo we watched the subtitled Swedish version rather than put up with bad dubbing. This was also an excellent film, great writing, direction and acting and to be honest the lack of English language took nothing away from it at all. It actual fills me with dread to think what the American "adaption" of Dragon is going to come out like now! I have a feeling I am going to be disappointed after seeing these. Can't wait to get on to the final part on Friday. After watching that I have a feeling we'll be moving on to The Killing, another foreign language series, this time in Danish!

Automation blues, travel hell and dragon tattoos

Today highlighted why testing automation is not always the best thing in the world. With the latest cut of software our automation scripts were less than reliable. Almost a day was spent with two of us adding in resource and it just felt like we had wasted our time. That day could have spent actually testing rather than trying to maintain failing scripts. Automation, nein danke!

My frustration day was followed up by travel hell. Got on the train at Cannon Street only to be told that due to a points failure platforms one to three were out of action, there was only one way in and out of the station and our best bet was to take he first train to London Bridge. So we all got off the train and went to platform four where finding a space to squeeze into was a real challenge. London Bridge was rammed. I made two attempts to get trains to Mottingham and Eltham but failed as the crowds were so dense that the trains had left before I got there. Attempts at getting to Lewisham were aborted due to the sheer volume of people cramming on. In the end I managed to squeeze onto a train to Ladywell and had to be picked up by Toni. This was NOT the journey home that I had wanted or needed!

A lovely dinner and some TNA wrestling was then followed by a nice chill out and the 2008 Swedish version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I've not read the books yet but I really enjoyed this film. I also plan to go and see the 2011 remake to see how that compares.


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Going into Hyperdrive and tears

Working day was OK today, nothing special and our Monday afternoon waste of time puppet show has resumed again which always takes the edge off of the day LOL. It's one of those meetings that nobody wants to be at, nobody wants to say anything and we have to listen to one person blowing hot air for 30 minutes plus.

When I got home I had to endure the tail end of Monty Python's Meaning Of Life. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the film but I have seen it far too many times of late so I am just a bit numb to it. Saying that though, salmon moose and the following quote from the Grim Reaper always make me smile: "Shut up, you American. You Americans, all you do is talk, and talk, and say 'let me tell you something' and 'I just wanna say.' Well, you're dead now, so shut up."

Dinner was a gorgeous casserole that mum had given us to take back accompanied by stir fried cabbages, jacket potato and roasted squash. Yummy yum yum!

The rest of the evening entertainment was a few episodes of Nick Frost's sci-fi parody Hyperdrive:


This was then followed up by the last episode of My Transsexual Summer. I'm not too proud to admit that it was very emotional and made me cry!

Breakfast, Jimmy Spice, travelling back and transsexuals

Had another good day with mum. We got up late and had a cuppa with bacon and scrambled eggs. Bad decision on my part as I'd forgotten that we were booked into Jimmy Spice at 13:30! Oh well LOL

We had a chill out before heading off to Jimmy's. Alongside the usual world cuisine buffet they had a carvery as well today. It was gorgeous roast pork and salmon. The only bad thing was that I didn't get to eat loads as I was still stuffed from breakfast!

The rest of the afternoon was spent chilling, drinking tea and reading. Sadly that time arrived when it was time to pack up and head off. We made good time getting back. It was lovely seeing mum again and it was good for Toni to be able to get away for a while and just relax and enjoy some time out.

More tea was accompanied by the first three episodes of My Transsexual Summer. It was such a fantastic programme and as you can imagine I could relate quite well to a few of the people in the show. We'll be watching the final part tomorrow night! I hope that it has raised some awareness of the transgender community and will start paving the way for more acceptance in the world at large.


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New rings, delightful tea and Il Moro Ristorante

After a nice brunch mum, Toni and I ventured out into Stratford for a mooch around the shops. We started off with the market and discovered a beautiful jewellery store that sold gorgeous silver hand made designs. Mum treated Toni and I to a ring each as an engagement present and also got one for herself. Keep reading for the pics!

After the ring shopping we then went for a cuppa in a wonderful tea shop called the Real Tea Cafe. I did ask if there was unreal one too LOL! They the most amazing range of tea that I have ever seen anywhere. Mum had an Earl Grey while Toni and I had infusions, Red Berry Explosion for me and a citrus one for Toni. Out of this world is all I can say!

We then popped home for a chill before heading out for out evening meal. The plan had been to go to Lambs but as they were only prepared to let us stay for a short time we opted for Il Moro Ristorante as we didn't want to be rushed. It turned out to be a fantastic choice!

We started off with G&T and JD and ordered some wine.....

Then it was time to order some food!

Apertifs, shared between the three of us:

PANE FRESCO (v)
Selection of warm home-made fresh breads served with olive oil & balsamic vinegar

SALUMI E FORMAGGI
Italian salumi, pecorino, goats’ cheese, cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, artichokes, pesto & olives for two to share            

OMG, how nice was that and we weren't even on to the starters!

Starters, once again shared between us all:

GAMBERONI ALL’AGLIO
Sautéed king prawns, asparagus chilli & garlic butter, with toasted home-made bread


CALAMARI FRITTI
Lightly fried squid served with garlic mayonnaise & lemon (Toni had a non battered version of this, how cools it that?)

Main course, we all had this with salad or veg side dishes:

BISTECCA DI BUE
Grilled 10oz Rib eye steak on a bed of diced & roasted rosemary potatoes &cherry tomatoes

I have NEVER eaten a steak before that I was happy to take my time over but this as SO worth it. It was out of this world.
      
Pudding was a choice of ice cream and sorbet scoops! Never has so much been eaten by so few!






















Wow, wow and wow again. Such a fantastic meal and no rush from the restaurant at all! If you are ever in Stratford upon Avon then please go to Il Moro Ristorante. They can be found online here: http://ilmoro.co.uk/

So finally I have to mention the rings again. They are all gorgeous. Here they are. Clockwise from the top (mum, me, Toni)

Steak and Stratford upon Avon

A busy day at work was improved upon by a lovely piece of steak accompanied by potato wedges. Steak is always good and fixes most ailments LOL

After a lovely meal Toni and I hit the road and drove to Stratford upon Avon to see my mum for the weekend. We were greeted with wine and nibbles (including cockles and whelks) so we ended the day in a very relaxed way!

Visiting Karen, a welcome escape

Toni and I went over to see Karen tonight as we hadn't seen her for a good few months. She made us a glorious fish pie for dinner which was delicious. Tea and conversation flowed.....

We even had late Xmas presents which were awesome and perfect for us!








What more could the Glizerati ask for?

Toni also got a fab bracelet




It was a light hearted evening and a nice escape for a few hours.


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He's back, let the blogging continue!

Hello again one and all! Sorry I've been a bit quiet but as you can imagine the last week has been a little out of the ordinary! It all seems a little hazy and there is still so much to do while trying to balance emotions and support everyone. One day at a time is the rule at the moment. On the whole though everyone is hanging in there pretty well!

We had BT Infinity installed this morning that means we have some shit hot downloads going on (when we aren't caught up in server/router congestion). Uploads are a pretty good speed too. BT in getting it right first time shock!

In some astounding news I was sorting out getting my final bills for gas and electric for SWF and I had a bit of a shock. Firstly my final bill with e.on for my electricity was a meagre £35. Southern Electric have yet to calculate my finally bill but my account currently stands a whopping £700 in CREDIT! No matter how big my final bill with them turns out to be I have a feeling I'll be receiving a very nice refund!

On the subject of refunds, there was another one due today too. I went to Liverpool Street station to transfer my season ticket from SWF + London Zones 1-6 to Mottingham + London Zones 1-6. This was essentially a ticket downgrade which meant that there was money to come back. Sadly it won't be direct to me but goes to the company but at least it means my monthly season ticket loan payments will be reduced considerably which is most welcome.

Work is very busy at the moment but thankfully fairly frustration free which makes things so much easier! Just waiting on my manager completing my appraisal for 2011 (this was supposed to have been done by the end of 2011 but he has failed on that front!). I wonder how many more times I'll have to chase him LOL

Pleasant evening spent at home with Jodie (and Azalea) and Jade coming over for Chinese food and Harry Potter.

Blogging service has now returned to normal!

Gail Scott (03/10/49 - 05/01/12)

Sadly, Gail Scott (Toni's mum) passed away in the early hours of this morning. You will be greatly missed Gail by all your family and friends.

Here's a brief trip down memory lane:

 Rest in peace Gail.

Woolwich Town Hall and good deeds with nice rewards

Toni and I went to Woolwich Town Hall today in the first step of wedding preparations. Apart from enjoying the usual council "efficiency" I was delighted to be in a such a beautiful building. One check with a security guard later and I was happily snapping away!

Whilst en route to the Town Hall I found a mobile phone in the road. Being the honest type I went through the address book and text a number called Dad and explained that I had found the phone and I could be contacted for it to be collected. A very happy man called me straight back and we arranged for him to pop over when I got home from work.

I was absolutely delighted when he turned up to collect the phone and presented me with a nice bottle if Pinot Grigio as a reward for being so honest. Chuffed? Yes I was!

Busy day, moving more stuff, phew and PC set up

Today was another busy day! Toni and I headed back to SWF to pick up some more of my stuff including my desk and PC. It took a fair while to get everything taken apart and bagged up before we could cart it all back to Eltham. We had hoped that in moving more stuff out the elusive passports might have turned up but things were all negative on that front so it was looking like I would have to cancel two passports and then pay a further £150 to get the pair of them replaced!

We returned to Eltham and I started reconstructing my desk and PC. At the same time Toni decided to check in an old rucksack that she used to use for going back and forth between home and SWF and by some stroke of luck BOTH passports were there. Hurrah and PHEW! That was close and lucky I hadn't actually cancelled them!

I was delighted to get my PC up and running too, it's nice to have ones comforts with one! LOL

Ed popped round to pick up some stuff we were getting rid of for a boot fair and we had a cuppa and a catch up. He'll also be giving us some much appreciated assistance in carting some larger bits of furniture over from SWF.

Dinner was a mishmash of various bits from the fridge which was actually VERY nice and we chilled out watching Hitch before hitting the pit. It's been a great (but busy) start to 2012 and it's a real shame that I am back to work again tomorrow!

Garfunkels, mission accomplished and panic

Today started late-ish with Toni, Gemima and I going to Garfunkel's for a late breakfast/lunch as there was nothing in the house.

On our return it was time to continue the mammoth task of tidying up the stuff that I had brought over. Am pleased to say that not only did we manage to get the Xmas decs away but we also managed to get everything that I had brought over from SWF put away somewhere (which also included a little extra clearing out). It was a definite mission accomplished.

At the end of the tidy up panic set in. While sorting through all my paperwork we realised that Toni didn't have Sam and my passports and neither were they in my files. We searched through everything but to no avail and despite getting Sophie and Sam to have a look in SWF the passports were nowhere to be found. Aaaargh!

Happy New Year!!!!!!

Here we are in 2012. Life just seems to get better and better and this year is going to be amazing!

Happy New Year to all my family and friends...